THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22161, 15 July 1935, Page 14

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

CHATHAM CUP MATCH VICTORY FOR PONSONBY FORMER CHAMPIONS DEFEATED Extra time was necessary to decide the local final of the Chatham Cup competition at Blandford Park ori Saturday, when Ponsonby eliminated Thistle, the previous holder of the trophy, by a narrow margin. While lacking in spectacular play, the game provided an interesting exhibition of rugged football. The senior championship competition was also continued, two games beine decided. Mount x\lbert Grammar Old Boys defeated North Shore at Devonport, while Y.M.C.A. secured its first win of the season by beating MetroCollege at Western Springs. Following were the results: — Chatham Cup Match. —Ponsonby, 4; Thistle, J3. Championship Games. —Mount Albert Old Boys, 3; North Shore, 2. Y.M.C.A., 7; Metro-Collegfc, 0. THISTLE ELIMINATED PONSONBY'S NARROW WIN In a gome characterised more by rugged football than spectacular play Ponsonby defeated Thistle in the local final of the Chatham Cup competition at Blandford Park on Saturday. The playing field was in a surprisingly firm condition. Although both teams had energetic and clever forward lines, the strength of the respective defences prevented open tactics from being adopted. However, the closeness oi the struggle fully maintained the interest of a fairly good attendance of spectators. The closing stages saw both forward lints at their Post, play fluctuating at u iast pace as the teams fought for the advantage. There were times when _ the Thistle team appeared to have victory within its grasp, but Ponsonby on each occasion managed to fight back to even terms. Ponsonby was definitely. ruore impressive over the closing stages. A safe exhibition was given by Watson in the Ponsonby goal. He showed fine judgment in handling a series of difficult shots. Ponsonby was also well served by the lull backs Haggett and Stewart. The Thistle forward 'ine was capable of speed and cleverness and it was a credit to the Ponsonby backs that the attackers were allowed very little scope. The Ponsonby haives were consistent in their defensive work, but could have been more accurate in their passing. Many promising movements were halted owing to the middle division not taking more care with its passes. Jones was a decided force both on defence and attack, while Wiseman and Masters tackled with determination. Innes and Farnan stood out in the forward line for splendid initiative work, while the latter also showed fine anticipation whenever there was a chance of making ground. Farnan's foot-work and changes of direction often had the Thistle defence baified. Mullane proved a very useful partner for Farnan. the pair being seen in some pretty movements, especially toward the finish. A sound display was given by Gerrard. the Thistle goalkeeper, while Williams and Reid both got through a large amount of defensive work. Reid often put bis team at, an advantage with long and well-placed clearances. The half-line was solid, but. as with the Ponsonby set, could have passed with more care. Wright and Watson were the best. Wood was responsible for speedy work on the right flank, and he managed to swing across several dangerous crosses, Punsmore and Ansns worked hard throughout. but a tendency to hold on t<j the ball a trifle too long often spoiled a promising movement. Kay. on the left flank, was always ready ro accept an opportunity, although his shooting lacked ite usual sting and accuracy.

Goals were scored for Ponsonby by Millions (2*. Faronn and Riggans, while Kay Bcorcd Thirties three goals. Mr. A. Firth was referee.

POINTS TO Y.M.C.A.

METRO-COLLEGE OUTCLASSED

The meeting cf Metro-College and Y.M.C.A. at Western Springs produced a fast game in whim Y.M.C.A. was definitely superior. Conditions were good and end-to-end play was the order for some time. However, Y.M.C.A. soon took the initiative and. showing a marked improvement on previous displays, ran out winners by seven goals to nil. Metro-College was oil form mid Y.M.C.A. took every advantage of its oppenents' mistakes. Smith, the Y.M.C.A. goalkeeper, had a lot to do. but the majority of the idiots lacked force and direction. Mowat and Dobsou prove-d sound on defence, although harrassed at times. Chapman, tho Y.M.C.A. centre-half, was the driving force in the Y.M.C.A. attack. Able support was given by Ross and Sims. Humphreys, at centreforward, proved the brains of the attack. With well-judged passes, he swung tho play from wing fo wing. On the right Alurane and MncFarlane combined nicely and their croases were always dangerous, while Pearson was more aggressive than Donaldson on the left wing.

Gavan had an arduous time in MetroCollege's goal, earning applause for many brilliant saveß made under severe preßsure. Speed and Holman have played better games, but. considering that they were crowded by their halfbncks, they performed creditably. With the exception of Cronin, who initiated most of the attacks, the halfhnck line was more of a hindrance than u help. Too big a gap wop left between the front line and there appeared to be a lack of understanding. H. Dallimore and McDougall on the right gave promise of Bcorine, hut too much finesse in front of goal spoiled the movements. A. Flyger, at centre-forward, kept hiß position, but he Teneired little pupnort. On the run of the play Y.M.C.A. thoroughly deserved its win. but r margin of three goal" would have been a better reflex of the ploy. Humphreys (2), Pearson (2), Murane (2). and MacFarlane scored for Y.M.C.A. Mr. W. A. Austen was referee

INTERESTING CONTEST

OLD BOYS SUCCESSFUL

There was a large attendance at (he Devonport Domain to witness the return match between North Shore and Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys. Ground and weather conditions were conducive to gond football, and an exceptionally hard and fast contest was witnessed, in which tho result whs in doubt until the final whistle. Norfli Shore hud the advantage of the sun in the first half, but wild finishing prevented the home team from realising on this advantage. Play flashed from end to end wikli both goalies effecting clever saves. The North Shore players had a bad habit of bunching, this giving Mount Albert many chances. Piny in the second Bpell was u repetition of the first, but Mount Albert's better positional plßy was the deciding factor.

Murray, a third grade player, gave a polishod display in the North Shore goal. Gerrard and C. Ekman were a pair of reliable backs, although the latter needs to pay more attention to covering methods. In a very good hnlf-line, Archer distributed the play with judgment, but was inclined to wander, while James, a robust tackier, broke up many attacks and with judicious passes sent his forwards to the attack. On tho left, Walters, in spiie of an injured leg. maintained his representative form and time and again nut his forwards in advantageous positions. The left-wing, E. Ekman, played a sound game, making ground and sending across dangerous centres which v ere seldom taken advantage of. Stevenson was the pick of the front line, falling back in defence and recovering quickly to attack with shots that

grazed the posts and bar. Bluckie wandered a lot but tent, several deft passes to Scott, whose centres were always dangerous. Warren had no easy task in Grammar's goal, but performed creditably, earning applause for several smart saves. Holdsworth was more aggressive than Shaw, but both combined to make a formidable bock line. Turley and Horrocks did most of the breaking up and close constructive play by ttie halfback line. Jepson distributed the bull to advantage t' long the front line. Spencer and Noble made most of the play with quick transferences to the left wins where Fyfie and Wood were always dangerous. Fyfie played a particularly clever game. Spencer. Jepson and Fyfie scored for j Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys, while j for North -Shore. Stevenson netted and Warren deflected the ball into his own goal, j Mr. J. C. Sibbin was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Second Grade.—Abels A, 3. Y.M.C.A., 3: Pcnsonby A. 8. Onehunga B. 2: Onehunga A. 7, Mount Albert Old Boys. 2. Third Grade.—Comrades, 2, Metro-Col-letrc. 1. , , Fourth Grade—Abels, 2, Comrades, 1; Mount Albert Old Boys. 1. North_ Shore. 1. Fifth Grade.—Comradeß B, 3. New Lynn. 3: Metro-College, 4, Comrades. 3. Sixth Grade.—Abels, 2. Devonport,. 2: Comrades A, 1, Y.M.C-A.. A. 1; Metro-Col-lege. IT. Ponsonby B, 0; -Comrades B, 8, Ponsonby A. 0. Seventh Grade.—Abels, 4, Eastern Suburbs, 0; Comrades A. 5, Y.M.C.A. B. 1. Secondary Schools.—lntermediate grade: Y.M.C.A. A, 3. Comrades, 0; Seddon Memorial Technical College, !), Mount Albert B. 0. Juniors.—Kowhai. 4. Mount Albert Grammar I>, 1. MATCHES AT HAMILTON [from OUR OWN correspondent] HAMILTON, Sunday In the South Auckland Football Association's senior competition in Hamilton yesterday, Hamilton Wanderers, 6, defeated Huntly Starr, 2. The intermediate grade match resulted Hamilton Wanderers. 2. Claudclands Rovers. 1. CONTESTS ELSEWHERE [«Y TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION] j Wellington.—Waterside, 3, Petone. 2: i Marist. 4. Institute, 4; Hospital, 8, Hutt, 2; Swifts, 2, Diamonds, 1. Christchurch Western B, 2, Technical. 1; Linwood, 0, IRangers, 1; Western A, C, Nomads, 0; Thistle, 0, St. Albans, 1. Dunedin.—Maori Hill, 2, Hinh School Old Boys. 2; Northern, fi, Seacliff. 0; Mosgiel, 3, Technical Old Boys, 2; Mornington, 4, ltoslyn-Wakari, 2. AMATEUR ATHLETICS WINTER COMPETITIONS J. SMITH WINS STEEPLECHASE The Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club held the tenth of its 1935 series of winter sports at the Outer Domain on Saturday. when keen competition was witnessed. J. Smith finished determinedly to win the steeplechase by 20yds from F. Savidan. J. W. Savidan registered fastest time. Results:— 5000 Yds Steeplechase.—J. Smith (1955). i 19m 295, 1; F. Savidan (90s"), 19m 355, 2: J. "W. Savidan (scr), 19m 40s, and J. R. Angelo (100s), 19m 40s. dead-heat. 3: J. Dunn (105s), 19m 4fis. 5: H. T. J. McNiel (170s). 19m 5Gs, 6: R. McMahon (1955), 20m 2C.S. 7; A. Clark (210s). 20m 40s, 8. Nineteen competed. 75Yds Handicap.—First lient: J. B. Prendergast, 4yds, 1 ; P. E. Castles, Iyd. 2: V. Arooretti. 9iyds, 3 Time, 7 3-ss. Second heat: R. H. Pow, 4Jyds. 1: L. N. Ross, BJyds. 2: S. A. Hanson. 6yds, 3. Time, 7 4-sb. Third heat: F. Savidan, 9yds. 1; C. H. Taylor. 7yds. 2: J. W. Murphy, 7'jyds, 3. Time, 7 4-ss. Final: F. Savidan, 9yds, 1: R. H. Pow, 41 yds, 2: P. E. Castle. Iyd. and J, P., Prendergust, 4yds, dead-heat, 3. Time, 7 4-ss. ,

Putting the Ifilb Shot—C. McLaughlin, 37ft 7!in. 1; J. B. Prcndcrgsst, 3Gft lin,. 2: J. W." Savidan. 36ft. 3; J. R. Anselo. 35ft lOin, 4. Twenty-six competed. Throwing the Dispns —J. B. Prendergast, JOSft. "tin, 1; J. Smith, 307 ft Sin, 2; S. A. Hanson, 104 ft 30in, 3. HARRIER RACING CONTESTS ON SATURDAY LYNNDALE CLUB'S EVENTS The Lynndale Harrier Club held a five-miles time trial at Avondale on Saturday. Results wore as follows: —R. Crompton. 27 m 17s, 1; T?. Swinburne, 28m 37k, 2; A. Lowry, 29m, 3. Fastest time: R. Crompton. A sealed handicap resulted in a win for A. Lowry (lm 50s), with R. Crompton (scr) second and C. May (2m 30s) third. The 75yds sprint held before the ran resulted as follows:—C. Davidson (39yds), 1: W. Brereton (19yds), 2; A. A. Anderson (12yds), S. Time, 7 3-as. TECHNICAL OLD BOYS' CLUB The Technical Old Boys' Harrier Club held a run from Mission Bay on Saturday under ideal conditions. About Fix miles of road and country were covered, and Combs, a new runner from Brooklyn Club (Wellington) showed great promise. Runs-in over the last mile reunited: — Fast pack: Brierly, 1: Cats. 2: Knight, 3: Combs, 4. Slow pack: Wikhere, 3: Ohms, 2; Taylor, 3: Day, 4. WESLEY CLUB The 'Wesley Harrier Club held a run from the Onchunga Methodist Church on Saturday. The three packs, comprising 30 members in all, followed a course of approximately 51 miles. Results of the one-mile handicap run-in were as follows: Fast Pack.—P. Stewart, 3; A. Graham, 2; M. Grcon, 8; ,T. Spoon-er, 4; R. Skyrme, 5; V. Wynn, G. Intermediate Pack.—B. Yerry, 1; S. Phipps, 2: R. Smith, 8: S. Moore, 4; A. Rove, 5. Slow Pack.—T. Ellison. 3: Robson, 2; L. Scriven, 8: N. Carter, 4; F. Collingß, S. UNIVERSITY CLUB The Tjnivcrsity Harrier Club held a run on Saturday, starting from the foot of Victoria Avenue. The course was one of almost seven miles, in which road and cross-coun-try work were mixed. In the fast pack Stevenson gave an excellent performance, while McKonr.ie and Collins ran well. In the slow pack Yule showed excellent form and wbb followed by Rtspingcr and Maxwell. BAPTIST CLUB Seventeen runners took part in the Baptist. Harrier Club's run on Saturday. Runsin resulted us follows: Slow Pack.—F. Furnesa, 3; R. Reevely, 2: H. Whitten, 3; C. Bncroft. 4. Fast Pack.—S. Edgar (scr), 3; R. Hanson (355). 2; D. Knight (scr), 3; S. Lang (12s), 4. PRESBYTERIAN CLUB Members of the' Presbyterian Harrier Club took pnrt in a run covering the Orakei and Panmure districts on Saturday. WELLINGTON TEAM SELECTED []lY TELF.GIUI'Il —ritF.SS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Sunday The following team lias been selected to represent Wellington at the New Zealand cross-country championships nt Wellington next Saturday:—J. Riddington, A. L. Stevens (Scottish), O. Pjuisßer, D. C. Pederson, O, B. Robe-ts (Brooklyn), C. Chalk (Wellington). Emergencies: A. G. Ragnall (University). E. Richardson (Olympic).